If you spend any amount of time in front of your TV, you’ll see so many commercials for products that treat any number of intestinal issues…well, you probably figure that just about everyone is walking around with a bloating, gassy gut all the time.
And really, if you’ve spent any time with a gassy gut it may seem like “that’s just the way it is”. Truth is, except in cases involving chronic conditions, excessive gas and bloating isn’t normal – and it doesn’t take a genius to know that it’s not desirable, either. If you experience a lot of bloating, gas and discomfort…well, you need to rethink your approach to eating!
- Pay attention to the times you feel the most gassy and bloated, and make note of what you ate and how much. Sometimes we get so far into a rut and we eat so quickly (or while checking emails, watching TV, chatting on the phone…) that we don’t pay attention to what we’re eating or even whether we’re full. So start being a little more mindful.
- Keep in mind that there are foods which generally produce excess gas no matter who’s eating them. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, peppers and onions tend to create gas during digestion – especially when raw. Beans are another culprit, as are eggs. If gas and bloating are a big problem for you, avoid these and other such foods.
- Consider getting tested for food allergies and sensitivities, especially lactose intolerance. Do yourself a favor and discuss this with your doctor.
- Fatty foods take longer to digest and allow for more time for gas to be produced – plus they just make you feel sluggish, right? Avoid fatty foods, processed foods, fried foods and fast food as much as possible.
- What makes soda fizzy? Carbonation, also known as gas. Stands to reason, then, that drinking carbonated beverages would cause more gas trouble. Right? Cut back or, better yet, cut them out of your life altogether. Same goes for other gas-producing beverages like wines and liquors.
It might not be much fun to avoid the foods and beverages that cause your gas and bloating – but is it fun to feel gassy and bloated all the time? When you think of it that way, it’s no sacrifice at all! With a little effort and attention to your habits, you’ll be able to kiss your gassy gut goodbye.